Postcard from Vietnam

City: New Mills, a small town in the Peak District in the UK (It is famous for having the sweet factory ‘Swizzles.’ They make ‘loveheart’ sweets and many other delicious candy!)

What were your first impressions of Vietnam?

Vietnam is simply a lovely country. My first impressions of Ho Chi Minh were of surprise! I have never seen so many restaurants. Everywhere I look, people are eating out with their families. I think this is great as I love trying different foods.

I was also overwhelmed by the friendliness of the people. I like to play pool and I am always invited to play with Vietnamese players, who normally beat me!

Please share with us 3 differences between Vietnamese and English people.

This is a difficult question! I think Vietnamese people spend more time with their families. English people, like me, enjoy rain and the colder seasons. Vietnamese people eat less fast food!!

What would you most like to do whilst you are here?

First and most importantly, I hope to contribute positively to the children’s learning and to the school community.

In addition to this, I would like to explore the North of Vietnam, complete a cooking course and have the confidence to drive a motorbike! I think the cooking course will happen first. I would also love to learn more about the Vietnamese culture. I have already learned so much from my students, which is fantastic. I am a keen golfer so I hope to play as many courses as I can. I have only played one course so far, and I lost six golf balls, two on the first hole! Perhaps, I should add golf lessons to my list of things to do here?

What are your plans in Vietnam?

I have recently visited Phu Quoc and in February I hope to go to Hanoi. My family will visit during the half term break and we are going to Ha Long Bay. My dad loves boats and my mum loves the sun so I think a mini cruise will suit them both.

My first impressions of Vietnam were the extremely busy streets filled with motorbikes! I was also amazed at driving through Ho Chi Minh City and seeing the many vast, tall buildings.

Three differences between Vietnam and English people:

Vietnamese people are very friendly and talkative and it is really nice to be welcomed into the school with so many friendly faces and so many members of staff willing to help.

What would you most like to do whilst you are here?

Whilst being in Vietnam, I would like to travel more of the country. I will be visiting Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Phu Quoc Island during the half term break and I would like to also visit Dalat and Sapa. In addition I would really like to travel to other countries in South East Asia whilst being here.

Vietnam in 5 words:

Vietnam is a bustling, vibrant, exciting, colourful city with a relaxed pace of life. I am really enjoying living here so far!